New Adventures and Reminiscing Old Favorites at CPK: California Pizza Kitchen Celebrates 20 Years in the Philippines

It's hard to believe that twenty years have passed since I first had a bite and enjoyed the signature Roast Duck Pizza from CPK. In a competitive culinary landscape where trends, fads and the next big thing often takes the spotlight before quietly fading away, there are few brands that endure the test of time and evolve with the ever changing consumer's palate... 

California Pizza Kitchen launches an all-new menu including sumptuous pizzas, pasta and salads alongside their signature bestsellers as CPK celebrates its twentieth year in the country. New adventures and old favorites, it's an appropriate theme for a brand like CPK with its fresh, bold and innovative approach to California-style artisanal pizzas. Where else can you experience and taste that cool California vibe on a pizza? The new dishes feature unique flavor combinations while their bestsellers take you back on a nostalgic trip down memory lane as you rediscover the many reasons why you fell in love with CPK...

It's the bold and playful approach to flavors that sets CPK apart from the usual pizza joint, infusing global flavors for a totally fresh and unique experience. Inspired by the different culinary influences from around the world, CPK weaves these global flavors with its very own West Coast flair. "California Pizza Kitchen has distinguished itself as a pizza authority the world over fashioning out a creative niche of California-style artisanal pizzas in much the same way as New York and Chicago established their own distinct pizza identities in their own boroughs. California is considered a melting pot of different cultures around the world ranging from Asian to Latin American, African and European. These creative cultural influences combined with the laid back California vibe and effortless California cool bring about the best environment that cultivates the spirit of California culinary creativity. And this year is extra special because in celebration of our 20th year anniversary in the Philippines, we are not only introducing new California style dishes, we are likewise re-introducing the most popular pizzas of the past 20 years," explained Bob Vallar, Marketing Manager of CPK Philippines.

Do you remember the very first time you enjoyed a slice of pizza at CPK? I'm pretty sure you've had your own list of old favorites from the previous menu, and now you can get reacquainted again as CPK celebrates the epic return of the classics. But no meal at CPK is complete without a refreshing salad. The new California Harvest Salad is an original recipe from CPK US with baby kale, Napa cabbage, carrots and steamed farrow seeds mixed with red seedless grapes, strawberries, watermelon cubes, and almonds with your choice of Citrus or Blueberry Vinaigrette. 

I always enjoy salads with fresh fruits and nuts, and the new California Harvest Salad fits the bill perfectly. The crisp greens, the sweetness of the grapes, watermelon and strawberries; the flavor and texture of farrow seeds and almonds, everything just comes together perfectly in true California style.

You can also opt for the new Golden Pear Salad with fresh arugula, celery, parsley, candied walnuts, and cheddar cheese in a vibrant lime olive oil dressing for a refreshingly healthy starter at CPK. More and more, I'm beginning to appreciate a good and healthy salad, and the new salad creations of CPK offer some of the more exciting fresh notes with its medley of the freshest and finest ingredients.

If seafood is more your idea of the perfect starter, go for CPK's Spicy Shrimp Poppers combining the briny sweetness of succulent shrimps with a whisper of comforting heat... 

...or the sumptuous 4 Cheese + Pork & Beef Nachos for that Southwestern vibe. The savory richness of the spiced and seasoned beef and pork pair well with the equally crisp nachos followed by the creamy cheese and perfectly finished by the tart tomatoes and olives. And once you start, you just can't stop.

CPK's pasta dishes are given the same creative spin, drawing inspiration from global cuisines for uniquely inventive creations like the Chicken Tequila Fettuccine with tender chunks of chicken, sweet and smoky bell peppers, cilantro and lime juice on fettuccine pasta draped in a Cuervo Gold Tequila cream sauce...

...and the Cajun-inspired Jambalaya Linguini with chicken, smoked sausage, blackened shrimp and scallions on linguine with intensely spiced jambalaya sauce. The rich blend of Cajun spices makes the Jambalaya Pasta different while the tequila-infused Chicken Tequila Fettuccine is equally inventive. In true CPK tradition, the flavors are bold and upfront in a style that typifies CPK's novel approach with its dishes. Both dishes offer intense flavors for a refreshingly welcome change of pace from the usual pasta.

With the success of the California-inspired Rice Entrees launched last year, CPK keeps the momentum going with the introduction of three new dishes, the Thai Calamari Rice with roasted peanuts, pineapple, chili peppers, scallions and Japanese Furikake draped in a sweet Thai chili sauce...

...and the Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp Rice with garlic, mushrooms, carrots, ginger, belle peppers, roasted peanuts and cilantro in a creamy coconut curry sauce. Elegantly plated, the new seafood rice entrees are a meal in itself. If you're craving for beef, the new Salisbuty Steak Rice should do the trick with its juicy Wagyu beef patty topped caramelized onions with a sunny side-up egg drizzled in demi-glaze sauce. The new Rice Entrees are a welcome addition to CPK's expanded menu for even more tasty options.

These dishes are just a preview to tickle your palate on what you can expect from CPK, but you may be wondering how far CPK has gone with that novel culinary style and aggressive flavor combinations. Well, get ready for another cool burst of pizza innovation. That signature cool California state of mind shines once more with the new pizza offerings, each one reflecting the out-of-the-box creativity CPK is known for, starting with the Spicy Chorizo Pizza with chili pepper sauce, cheese, roasted bell peppers, onions, and fresh avocado slices. Sweet and savory with a hint of spice, the Spicy Chorizo Pizza is an original CPK US recipe showcasing global culinary influences with that distinct California vibe, and it works. CPK continues the tradition of innovative and creative combinations of flavors with its other pizza offerings... 

...like the White Clam Pizza topped with plump and succulent clams, Mozzarella cheese, onions, extra virgin olive oil and a special blend of spices. I've always enjoyed seafood on pizza like CPK's Surf & Turf Trio with delicately poached shrimps, crisp and smoky bacon and salami. This one's on my list of favorites too. The new adventures promised by CPK is definitely looking good. 

And there's more. Enjoy Latin-inspired flavors with the new Chicken Fajita Pizza topped with Mexican spiced chicken, cilantro pesto, scallions, mixed cheeses and spices...

...or opt for a meat-free option with the new Tropicale Quorn Hand-Tossed Pizza with flavorful Quorn chunks, grilled pineapple, Mozzarella and Parmesan, yellow onions and cilantro on coconut cream and Caribbean sauce. This one was a tasty surprise. Quorn is a meat-free, low-calorie mycoprotein from the mushroom family that's low on fat, high in protein and fiber for a healthy alternative, and it tastes good too. With the texture and flavor hints almost like chicken, the new Tropicale Quorn Hand-Tossed Pizza combines both sweet and savory notes in another tasty pizza creation. All that without the guilt. Vegetarians can also opt for the new Tricolore Crispy Thin Crust Pizza with mixed greens and diced tomatoes topped with shaved Parmesan cheese.

The versatility of Quorn is highlighted in another new dish at CPK with the Kids' Quorn Nuggets + Seasoned Fries which I also enjoyed and why not? Healthy food doesn't have to be boring. Not with Quorn. And you can have a taste at CPK (you can also purchase Quorn products in leading supermarkets too).

Along with CPK's new dishes, old favorites from the past twenty years make a grand re-appearance on the menu, like the Roast Duck Pizza. A personal favorite, the Roast Duck Pizza first appeared in 1998 when CPK opened in the country. For me, this is what defined CPK as a brand that innovates and reinvents what we all love. Topped with marinated duck breast, soy-glazed shiitake mushrooms, Mozzarella, crispy fried wonton strips, scallions and hoisin sauce, it's not what you'd expect on a pizza. Then again, that's CPK for you where doing the unexpected is a signature trademark. A favorite then, and still high on my list of favorites. Glad to see it back on the menu.

A vegetarian favorite, the Wild Mushroom Pizza introduced back in 2000 returns as well its fresh medley of sauteed wild mushrooms, mixed cheeses, fresh parsley and nutty mushroom pesto sauce...

...along with another favorite from 2000, the Cheeseburger Pizza. With ground Angus beef, crisp and smoky bacon, a rich blend of cheeses, caramelized onions, tomatoes, lettuce and secret sauce to recreate everything you love about a cheeseburger, this time reinterpreted as a pizza. Instead of a bun, have a slice instead. Now that's cool. The addition of avocados give it an even cooler California vibe in true CPK tradition.

Then, there was a pizza that was way ahead of its time offering a novel and more aggressive flavor combination. Introduced back in 1998, the Mango Tandoori Pizza marks its comeback for the 20th anniversary of CPK in the Philippines. Topped with Indian spiced chunks of tender chicken, Mozzarella, onions, sweet ripe mangoes, curry sauce and red peppers, The Mango Tandoori Pizza typified CPK's non-conventional culinary philosophy with its flavors without borders. This unique pizza was said to have a cult following then, it will be interesting to see how it will fare with the current generation of CPK fans. One thing's for sure, you can always expect the unexpected when it comes to unconventional pizza flavor combinations at CPK. 

Back in 1998, pizza purists simply loved the classic thin crust Rustica Pepperoni  with Mozzarella, Neapolitan style pizza sauce, olives, capers, chili flakes and Parmesan. The simple and traditional pizza returns showing another facet in CPK's repertoire of pizza styles. And what's not to love?I'll have another slice, please...

When this pizza was quietly removed from the menu, loyal fans demanded its return. Well, you got it. The Tuna Melt Pizza is back with its non-traditional topping of tuna salad, mixed cheeses, tomatoes and onions. For sure, fans will enjoy the 20th anniversary of CPK in the country with the return of their favorites.

Epic comebacks and exciting new dishes with that cool California vibe, it's all here at California Pizza Kitchen. CPK's 20th anniversary lets you experience the brand's amazing culinary journey for a unique pizza experience drawing on the best of the world's cuisine. Unfolding a new chapter, CPK is on course to offer even more exciting dishes with re-imagined menus, dynamic open kitchens and unique renovations in all restaurants across the country. Want more choices? At CPK, you'll also find hearty and traditional offerings like the BBQ Heirloom + Gouda Flatbread that's delectably crisp with rich flavors...

...and the Chicken Parmigiana for a comfortingly satisfying meal any time of the day. What's for dessert? Two new temptingly decadent desserts guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth...

The new Nutella Cheesecake (L) with hazelnut chocolate, cream cheese, chocolate syrup and whipped cream on a rustic Graham cracker crust is just too good to pass up. The new Banoffee Pie (R) with sweet bananas, coffee powder, cream, caramel syrup and candied walnuts on a Graham cracker crust is also a must-try.

Relive old favorites and discover new ones. Since it opened its very first restaurant in Beverly Hills back in 1985, diners the world over experienced California-style pizza. Now, CPK nears another global milestone with 300 restaurants around the world. Here in the Philippines, CPK takes its loyal fans to new adventures. And old favorites too.

CPK is located at the 2nd Level of Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing, Edsa corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

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